Get to know Karen Lecoutre, Borderless International Consultant

Karen Lecoutre joined Borderless Executive Search nearly three years ago, bringing deep industry experience and a passion for connecting talent with opportunities that transform careers and organizations. Her people-focused approach and dedication to long-term relationships and diversity make her a key contributor to the Borderless team.

Read on to explore her insights on executive search in the chemical industry and approach to impactful leadership solutions.?

Experience Across Borders

Thirteen years in HR in the chemical industry, including over six years at a production plant abroad, were foundational in shaping how I approach executive search and leadership advisory. Working in a demanding, complex environment taught me to understand business priorities from every level of the organization, from the production floor to senior management. These years gave me a real understanding of how leadership choices can impact the whole business.

Later, as a Career Transition Coach I expanded my industry knowledge, helping professionals shift into sectors like pharma and consumer goods. Combined with my international experience, these roles helped me get better at navigating cultural nuances and being aware of the emotional weight of relocating for new opportunities.

These elements—grasping people's motivations and purpose, assisting them in seeing the bigger picture or shifting their perspective through coaching, and managing complex transitions—are at the heart of how I approach my work.

Aligning Leadership with Organizational Vision

I prioritize understanding what truly drives candidates and clients. For candidates, I ask,?“If you could design your perfect role and ideal employer, what would that look like?”?This uncovers their deeper motivations and values. For clients, I explore not only the technical competencies and qualities required but also the values and personality traits they seek in their ideal leader.

Listening is key, both to what’s said and what’s left unsaid. Subtle behaviors or unspoken priorities can reveal crucial insights. The diverse team at Borderless brings fresh perspectives to every assignment, which strengthens our ability to identify the right fit.I also ensure candidates connect emotionally with the opportunity. Beyond job descriptions, we craft compelling narratives about the organization’s vision and how the role contributes to its strategy. This storytelling approach often inspires candidates to take bold steps in their careers.

I recall a candidate who initially withdrew from a recruitment process. We knew he was a great match, so we kept the conversation going. After eventually taking the role, he told us months later that it was the best career decision he’d ever made. Moments like these are what make the work so meaningful.?

Integrating DEI in Every Placement

At Borderless, we often work with organizations that specifically request candidates to bring diversity to their leadership teams, such as women for male-dominated boards or individuals from diverse nationalities and age groups. This focus is an integral part of the "Borderless way," where we proactively source candidates from underrepresented groups, often in an international context. This approach aligns with our values and sets us apart from other executive search firms. Internally, we’re vigilant about recognizing and challenging unconscious biases, ensuring that every search process is truly inclusive.??

Navigating Challenges in the Chemical Industry

The Chemical industry is under pressure to make production processes more sustainable. One of my most rewarding placements was a Vice President of Sustainability who helped a client introduce sustainability pillars, improve governance, and achieve environmental certifications, transforming their sustainability profile.

Talent shortages remain another challenge, especially in regions where specialized skills are hard to find. Creative sourcing, including international searches, or even taking a different approach to the industry we target, often helps bridge these gaps. Succession planning and leadership development are also critical for long-term resilience, and we support our clients by providing extensive market insights and tailored development recommendations for their organizations.

Lastly, Europe faces a critical need to remain competitive in the global market. Streamlining regulations and cultivating a more entrepreneurial mindset could strengthen the region’s position. Europe is home to a rich pool of highly skilled talent ready to contribute to an innovative and more sustainable future. It’s crucial to empower these individuals while ensuring the industry adapts to meet global challenges.

Future Trends and Leadership Development

The chemical industry is currently experiencing significant changes, including numerous mergers, acquisitions, and shifts in portfolio focus. For leaders, recognizing these trends early and investing in innovation is crucial. This ability can be developed as a skill within an organization through training, collaboration, and adopting Agile methodologies, which emphasize continuous improvement and teamwork. By integrating these principles, leaders can create an innovative environment that better equips the organization to adapt to industry changes.

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Karen Lecoutre

https://www.borderless.net/our-team/karen-lecoutre/?

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Further reading – My top picks:

·????? The Sustainability Path: key insights for chemical industry leaders

·????? From disillusionment to action: 4 ways CEOs can boost sustainability

·????? Purposeful work: the secret weapon in the new war for talent